Thinking of retiring your television for a newer model?
When browsing for a new TV, keep an eye out for the little blue ENERGY-STAR® label. This designation is a great indicator that the model includes energy-efficient features designed to help you save. On average ENERGY-STAR®-certified televisions use 27 per cent less energy than other models.
TVs use energy even in “sleep mode”, ENERGY STAR®-certified televisions use one watt or less in sleep mode, helping you save even when the TV isn’t in use.
The brighter your TV’s display is, the more energy it’s using. ENERGY-STAR® models include options that help enhance the television’s display and use less energy. Here are a few to look out for:
Don’t forget about picture modes! Picture modes are settings you can choose – like vivid, movie or dynamic – that may require more energy. To keep your TV's consumption as low as possible, use the ENERGY STAR®-certified default setting.
With each new model it seems like there are more features to consider, from Smart TVs to adding sound bars, how do you decide? Think about your television use and what added features you or your family will appreciate or find useful. Televisions that include extra features such as wireless connection tend to use more energy.
Same goes for added accessories. When plugging in other devices consider using a power strip or “smart” power bar for your full entertainment centre. By plugging the TV into the power bar’s master plug and adding other devices such as DVD players and video game systems into the complementary plugs, once the TV is turned off it’ll cut the power to the other devices as well – automatically saving energy and reducing your electricity costs.
Did you know your TV could be drawing phantom power? The easiest way to stop phantom power from occurring is to unplug your devices when they're not in use. For devices that aren't so easy to unplug, you can use power bars to help you save.
Although you might be tempted to purchase a larger screen, make sure that it’s the right size for the optimal viewing experience. The ideal distance from the viewing area to the television is one and a half times the TV screen size. Larger TVs use more energy than smaller models, so although it may seem like a good idea to buy the larger model consider how much more energy it may use and if it’s right for your entertainment area.
Want to learn about available ENERGY STAR®-certified television models?
Try the ENERGY STAR® Product Finder Tool. Happy shopping!